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JAMB Chemistry 2003 Question 15

Question 15

Fats, Oils and Soaps

The structural component that makes detergent dissolve more quickly in water than soap is

  1. A.–SO3-Na+
  2. B.–COO-Na+
  3. C.–SO4-Na+
  4. D.–COO-K+
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A (–SO3-Na+)

Explanation

Soapless detergents are sodium alkylbenzene sulphonates; the –SO3-Na+ head is very soluble and does not form scum with hard water. Soaps have –COO- heads.